You know that feeling when you walk into a vintage shop and find something that smells like old paper and feels like a warm hug? That's basically the vibe Ingrid Michaelson was chasing when she dropped Songs for the Season. Honestly, most modern Christmas albums feel like they were manufactured in a lab to hit a specific Spotify playlist demographic. But the Ingrid Michaelson Christmas vinyl is different. It’s a 1950s fever dream recorded with a full orchestra.
It’s also become a bit of a nightmare for collectors to track down.
If you're hunting for this specific wax, you've probably noticed that prices spike the second a single snowflake hits the ground. It’s not just because people like her voice. It’s because the production on this record—specifically the way the vinyl mastering handles those lush, Colorado Symphony arrangements—makes it sound like a lost Bing Crosby tape.
The Different Versions You'll Actually Find
Let's get into the weeds of what’s actually out there. You can’t just buy "the" record. There are layers to this.
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First, you have the 2018 Standard Edition. This is a single LP. It’s got 12 tracks. If you find the "Red" variant of this, hold onto it. It was a limited run through her webstore and Cabin 24 Records, and it looks incredible spinning on a turntable while you’re ignoring your family during dinner.
Then things got complicated in 2021.
Ingrid released the Songs for the Season (Deluxe Edition). This is the one you really want, even if it’s more expensive. Why? Because it’s a 2-disc set. It adds five tracks, including that "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" duet with Zooey Deschanel. But here is the weird part: the second disc in the Amazon exclusive version actually has a "secret" side. One side has the bonus tracks, and the other side has these etched grooves containing two unreleased demos—"December" and "Happy, Happy Christmas."
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A Quick Breakdown of the Variants:
- The OG Black Vinyl (2018): Single LP, 12 tracks. The "budget" entry if you can find it for under $30.
- The Limited Red Vinyl (2018): Same tracklist, way more "holiday" energy. Rare.
- The Deluxe 2-LP (2021): Includes the Jason Mraz and Zooey Deschanel tracks. Usually comes with a recipe card for Ingrid’s "Brown Butter Blondies." (Yes, the recipe is actually good).
- The B-Sides Picture Disc: This is a 7-inch single. Super niche. It’s mostly for the completists who need every physical piece of media she touches.
Why Does This Vinyl Sound Better Than Digital?
Usually, when people say "vinyl sounds better," they’re just being snobs. I say that as a snob. But with the Ingrid Michaelson Christmas vinyl, there’s a technical reason. Dan Romer, who produced the album, went for a very specific "narrow" sound. He wanted it to mimic the mid-century recordings of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.
When you stream this on a phone, it can sometimes sound a little thin because digital compression hates that vintage "muffled" warmth. On vinyl? Those strings from the Colorado Symphony bloom.
Specifically, the track "Happy, Happy Christmas" hits differently on the turntable. Ingrid wrote this song about her mother, who passed away around the holidays in 2014. It’s a sad song hidden in a "happy" arrangement. On the LP, you can hear the slight imperfections in her breath and the way the piano decays. It’s intimate. It feels like she’s in the room, which is exactly what a Christmas record is supposed to do.
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The Hunt: Where to Buy It in 2026
If you’re looking for a copy right now, stop checking big-box retailers. They rarely restock the Ingrid Michaelson Christmas vinyl outside of the window between November 1st and December 15th.
Your best bet is actually the secondary market or her official webstore. Discogs is the gold standard here, but be prepared for "seasonal pricing." I’ve seen the Deluxe 2-LP go for $35 in July and suddenly jump to $85 in December. It’s supply and demand, and the demand for Ingrid’s "indie-pop-meets-Bing-Crosby" aesthetic is surprisingly high.
One thing to watch out for: "Backorder" status on sites like Merchbar. They’ll take your money, but you might be waiting until next Easter to actually see the package. If a site doesn't say "In Stock," move on.
Collector Tips for the Songs for the Season LP
- Check for the Recipe Card: If you’re buying the 2021 Deluxe Edition used, make sure the seller includes the 12x12 lyric insert and the Brown Butter Blondie recipe card. Without them, the resale value drops by about 20%.
- Inspect the 7-inch: The 7-inch "B-Sides" picture disc is notoriously prone to surface noise. It’s a beautiful object, but don’t expect audiophile quality from a picture disc. It’s for looking at, not just listening.
- The Amazon Exclusive: If you find a 2-LP set with a "Digital Download" sticker, it’s likely the Amazon version. This is the one with the demo versions of "December" hidden in the grooves of the fourth side.
Ingrid has said she wanted this record to be in someone’s "top five" holiday rotation, alongside the Charlie Brown Christmas album. Honestly? She kind of nailed it. It’s a record that feels like it’s always existed.
To secure a copy of the Ingrid Michaelson Christmas vinyl without overpaying, your best move is to set a "Wantlist" alert on Discogs during the off-season. Sellers often list copies in the spring when they're clearing out inventory, and you can usually snag the Deluxe Edition for near its original $45 retail price instead of the inflated holiday markups. Once you have it, check the 2021 Deluxe inserts for the URL to the stop-motion "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" video—it's a great companion piece for a snowy night.